Fun fact: South Florida is second largest wine consumption market in the country. That can mean one of two things; we have a ton of drunks, or a large population of individuals who enjoy the finer things in life. Let's go with the latter.
If you're a wino or just an enthusiast of all things wine, the sixth annual American Fine Wine Competition is back. Many of the events are invite only, but we have the scoop on all of the events, public and private.
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Currently in its sixth year, the American Fine Wine Competition brings in 600 wines to compete against one another at Florida International University. Twenty two judges from across the country will be evaluating the wines. The judges, a collection of sommeliers, wine writers, restauranteurs, and other industry professionals, will be broken up into four member panels. Each panel will need to come to a seventy five percent agreement on each wine scored. Think getting four experts to come to a consensus is an easy task? It's not.
Kick Off Reception, Presented by JM Lexus
Taking place at the Boca Raton Resort, on January 10 from 6-9pm, this event is unfortunately invite only. VIP guests, AFWC sponsors and the media will be there to meet the judges, as well as sample last years winning wines and hors d'oeuvres. The evening will begin with a sabering of sparkling wines before divulging the details of the gala, including the winemakers who will be present.
American Fine Wine Competition
Taking place on January 20 and 21, at Florida International University, judges will score the 600 wines entered in the contest. Again, this event is only open to judges, sponsors, and the media. Over the two day period, each of the 600 wines will be scored by the panels.
VIP Party to Announce 2013 AFWC Results
Occurring at a private residence on February 1, the results of the competition will be divulged at this invite only party.
Bloggers & Press Award Cocktail Party
Wine at a beer bar: why not? Held at American Social on February 5 from 5-7pm, this is the first event open to the public. For a charity donation of $20, guests will get the chance to indulge in some AFWC wines and a variety of hors d'oeuvres. This will be the first public announcement of the winners.
Wine Carnival and Consumer Challenge.
A wino carnival this event will feature wine-themed carnival games: pull a winning cork, ring the wine bottle, wine-pong. It's kind of like a frat party for a more sophisticated crowd. Wine and food booths will be interspersed amongst the games. For each game won, poker chips will be awarded, which can be used to redeem prizes. A $40 donation is required for entry, which will be donated to the Diabetes Research Institute. The event will take place at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art on February 21 from 5-8 pm.
AFWC Gala
When celebrating the finer things in life, one must hold a gala. The culmination of this years events, the gala takes place on April 4, from 6-10pm, at the swanky Boca Raton Resort. As one would expect, it includes a "sparkling reception" with this years sparkling and white wines, a five-course meal prepared by local celebrity chefs--Norman Van Aken, Angelo Elia, and Dean Max are already onboard--600 wines, a wine auction, and live entertainment. Judges, sommeliers, and other industry professionals will be interspersed throughout the tables. The $300 donation will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute and 4PetRewards.
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